Frostbyte10 and Beyond

Why HVAC and Home Service Companies Must Secure Their IoT Controllers

The building‐automation and refrigeration systems that keep modern warehouses, grocery stores, and mobile service vehicles running are increasingly computerized. In September 2025, security researchers at Armis Labs disclosed ten vulnerabilities dubbed “Frostbyte10” affecting Copeland’s E2 and E3 controllers. These controllers manage compressor groups, condensers, walk‑in units, HVAC, and lighting systems. If exploited together, the flaws could allow an attacker to manipulate equipment settings, disable the system, or run arbitrary code with root privileges. The research paper notes that unauthenticated attackers could spoof floor plan files to read any file on the controller, predict default passwords, or even enable hidden SSH access. 

Major news outlets picked up the story. The Register explained that Frostbyte10 affects thousands of devices used by major supermarket chains and cold‑storage companies and warned that three of the vulnerabilities received critical severity ratings. Copeland released firmware version 2.31F01 to fix the flaws, and CISA issued an advisory urging organizations to patch immediately. While no active exploitation was reported, the ubiquity of these controllers makes them attractive targets for ransomware gangs seeking to freeze operations and extort victims.

Why this matters for plumbers, HVAC technicians, and other home‑service businesses.

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IoT controllers similar to the Copeland devices are everywhere in the home‑service industry. Mobile HVAC technicians, electricians, and plumbers increasingly rely on smart thermostats, building‑management systems, and internet‑connected van equipment. If these devices have default passwords or unpatched firmware, they can be compromised from the internet, granting attackers access to company networks, scheduling systems, and even the vehicles themselves. The Frostbyte10 vulnerabilities demonstrate that attacks no longer require physical access; a misconfigured controller can be a backdoor into your fleet. 

Beyond the Copeland case, small‑to‑midsize plumbing and HVAC distributors are already under attack. A cybersecurity roadmap from Supply House Times notes that 43 % of all cyberattacks target small businesses, and 46 % of SMBs have already experienced one. Financial losses from an incident can range from $25,000 to $250,000, and up to 60 % of small businesses close within six months of an attack. This is not theoretical: a 2024 case profile describes a credential‑stuffing attack against a large HVAC and plumbing distributor that was thwarted only because the company had endpoint protection and 24/7 monitoring. 

Managed Service Providers: your line of defence

Working with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) ensures that firmware updates and patches are applied across all connected devices—not just office PCs but also IoT controllers in vans and warehouses. An MSP can implement network segmentation so that controllers are isolated from your accounting and scheduling systems, monitor device logs for anomalies, and rotate default credentials regularly. They can also deploy zero‑trust architectures requiring multi‑factor authentication (MFA) for technicians who access equipment remotely.

Best practices for securing IoT in mobile service operations

1. Inventory and segment devices. Know every controller, thermostat, and sensor in your fleet, map who can access it, and segment them from critical business systems. Use VLANs or separate Wi‑Fi networks for IoT.
2. Patch and update firmware promptly. Install vendor updates like Copeland’s 2.31F01 firmware. Your MSP can automate patch management.
3. Change default credentials and enforce MFA. Several Frostbyte10 vulnerabilities involved predictable passwords. Replace manufacturer‑generated passwords, implement MFA for remote access, and use strong identity‑and‑access‑management tools.
4. Monitor logs and threat intelligence. MSPs use security information and event management (SIEM) platforms to correlate logs from IoT devices with broader threat intelligence, spotting attacks early.
5. Educate field technicians. Phishing remains a major entry vector. Provide regular training so mobile staff recognize suspicious emails and never plug unknown devices into company systems.

Contact us today to learn more about your business’s vulnerabilities and see how you can stay secure from Frostbyte10 and future attacks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Frostbyte10 vulnerability?

Frostbyte10 is the name Armis Labs gave to ten vulnerabilities in Copeland E2 and E3 controllers used to manage refrigeration and HVAC systems. The flaws could allow remote code execution and manipulation of system settings.

How can a Managed Service Provider help protect IoT devices in HVAC and plumbing businesses?

An MSP can maintain an inventory of IoT devices, apply firmware patches, enforce password policies, implement network segmentation, and provide 24/7 monitoring. They also deliver incident‑response expertise and training.

Why are small plumbing and HVAC distributors attractive targets?

Attackers know that small distributors hold valuable customer data, yet may lack sophisticated defences. Almost half of SMBs have experienced a cyberattack, and the downtime from a ransomware incident can severely disrupt order fulfilment.